Water Use
Like many locations of a similar latitude, Abbotsford and Mission have four distinct seasons.
However, our proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides milder winters, along with much greater winter rainfall than inland areas of the country.
Summer on the west coast is known for its relative dryness. It is not uncommon to receive little or no rainfall for weeks at a time.
August averages only 20% of November's rainfall, and only about 16% of annual precipitation falls between June 1st and October 1st.
Un-watered grass often turns dormant in July, but bounds back in September when significant rains become more likely.
Source: Abbotsford Weather Page
Water use from year to year is heavily influenced by the weather.
On an average day Abbotsford and Mission consume approximately 75 Million Litres per Day (MLD). That’s enough water to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool 150 times.
In the summer that number can almost double due to outdoor water use. Our current water system can supply and deliver approximately 143 million litres per day (MLD).
In 2007, water demand on the peak day consumed over 95% of this available capacity. At the expected growth rates in Abbotsford and Mission, it is difficult to meet peak day water demands with the existing system.
